ksk comments on “Let employees work from home”

I don’t believe WFH actually works. I have done the WFH thing for a couple of years at a startup, and even leaving aside the camaraderie aspect, collaboration is always a challenge.

You’re forced to give up several ways of communication which are valuable. You can’t walk into a colleagues office for a quick chat. You have to schedule time when both of you are available. You can’t pickup on non-verbal cues which can tell you if they’re nervous/apprehensive/unhappy about something in the project, etc. You give up laughing at silly things over lunch, or sharing a quick joke as you pass someone in the hallway, or giving someone a hug on their birthday. All the little things that do lift your spirit when you’re frustrated or feeling a bit low.